Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
111 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which will be taken to protect crops in the State from cross-contamination if genetically modified crops are grown in the Six Counties. [13807/04]
View answer112 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the statutory rules in place or planned to be put in place regarding the co-existence of genetically modified and conventional crops. [13808/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 112 together.
EU Directive 2001/18/EC places an obligation on member states to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices relating to the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming. An interdepartmental and inter-agency working group has been set up in my Department inter alia to develop such proposals. The working group, as part of its work programme, is currently meeting and having discussions with relevant stakeholders in the preparation of their recommendations. These discussions will include the Northern Ireland authorities with particular reference to their co-existence strategies.
